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U.N.: All problems with Iran's nuclear program should be resolved peacefully

All the problems with the Iranian nuclear program should be resolved through peaceful dialogue, and Iran must negotiate seriously on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) proposals, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said in an interview with the Vesti television channel.

"All the U.N. Security Council's resolutions adopted in regards to Iran aimed to peacefully resolve the Iranian nuclear program," he said. "All problems must be resolved peacefully through dialogue for which there must be serious talks on the IAEA proposals."

He also added that the IAEA is unable to confirm the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.

"So far, the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program has not been confirmed and Iran has to prove the peaceful orientation of its nuclear developments," he said.

The United States and other Western countries have accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons for military purposes under the guise of a peaceful nuclear energy program. Tehran denies the charges, saying that its nuclear program is aimed solely at meeting the country's electricity needs. The U.N. Security Council adopted five resolutions in connection with the suspension of Iran's nuclear program. Three involve the use of economic sanctions on Iran.

"The Iranian authorities must fully comply with the IAEA requirements," he added.

Regarding the proposal to enrich uranium in Russia and France, the U.N. secretary general noted that "the proposal merits serious consideration."

"Progress in this matter has not been observed, which can cause concern," he said." The IAEA has made a proposal and the Iranians should seriously consider it."

In October 2009, IAEA and six international mediators on Iran - Russia, the United States, China, Britain, France and Germany - offered Tehran to exchange low-enriched uranium for high-enriched uranium. Iran has not rejected the proposal, but the parties failed to agree on a fuel exchange. The Tehran laboratory reactor was built 40 years ago by the United States and its main function is to produce medicine.

The initiatives included that Iran will transfer 1.2 tons (70 percent of the total) low-enriched uranium accumulated at the Natanz Plant to Russia. Further, Russia will enrich the uranium to 20 percent and send to Tehran. Subsequently, however, Iran has demanded to conduct the exchange simultaneously and within the country.